Lexi Webster
Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is a type of metamorphic rock that has been used for carvings and sculptures by artists and indigenous peoples for thousands of years. It is found all over the world, with significant deposits in Australia, Brazil, China, India, Canada, England, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. In Australia, soapstone has been used by Aboriginal artists in Central Australia to create pipes and decorative carvings of local animals. It is also available for purchase in Melbourne and Brisbane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Steatite, Soaprock |
| Composition | Talc-schist, a type of metamorphic rock |
| Produced By | Dynamothermal metamorphism and metasomatism |
| Properties | Geologically stable, solid, not affected by humidity, soft, durable, heat-resistant, high heat storage capacity |
| Uses | Carvings, sculptures, art, cooking utensils, plates, vases, teapots, boxes, pipes, construction as an insulator, countertops, floor tiles, shower bases, interior surfacing, fireplace surrounds, cladding on wood-burning stoves, wood-burning masonry heaters |
| Found In Australia | Western Australia |
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What You'll Learn
Soapstone is found in Western Australia
Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is a type of metamorphic rock called talc-schist. It is composed predominantly of the magnesium-rich mineral talc, which gives it its characteristic softness. Soapstone has been used for thousands of years in Asia and ancient Greece for creating art, cooking utensils, and other useful objects. It is also used in construction as an insulator and for countertops, floor tiles, and shower bases.
Soapstone can be found all over the world, including in Australia. While there is limited information on exactly where soapstone is found in Australia, one source mentions that pipes and decorative carvings made of soapstone were created by Aboriginal artist Erlikilyika in Central Australia. Another source mentions that soapstone can be found in Western Australia.
In modern times, soapstone is most commonly used for architectural applications. Its natural properties, such as durability, heat resistance, and stain resistance, make it a popular choice for kitchen countertops, floor tiles, and shower bases. Soapstone is also used for carvings and sculptures by artists and indigenous peoples.
Australia is not the only place where soapstone is found. Significant deposits of soapstone exist in Brazil, China, India, Canada, England, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. The properties of soapstone can vary depending on the country of origin, but all soapstone is geologically stable, solid, and unaffected by humidity. This makes objects carved from soapstone very long-lasting.
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It is used for carvings and sculptures
Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is a type of metamorphic rock that has been used for carvings and sculptures for thousands of years. It is composed largely of the magnesium-rich mineral talc, which gives it a soapy feel. The softness of soapstone, combined with its solidity, durability, and heat-resistance, makes it ideal for sculpting and carving.
In Australia, soapstone has been used by Aboriginal artists such as Erlikilyika (c. 1865–c. 1930) to create pipes and decorative carvings of local animals. These carvings were made in Central Australia, where soapstone deposits can be found.
Soapstone is also found in other parts of the world, including Brazil, China, India, Canada, England, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. The stones from these countries have different properties, but all are geologically stable and solid, making them suitable for carvings and sculptures.
Today, soapstone is still used by artists and indigenous peoples for carvings and sculptures. In Brazil, for example, the abundance of soapstone mines allows local artisans to craft a variety of items, including pots, pans, wine glasses, statues, jewel boxes, coasters, and vases. These handicrafts are commonly sold in street markets across the state.
Soapstone is also used for architectural applications, such as countertops, floor tiles, shower bases, and interior surfacing. Its natural properties, such as durability, stain resistance, and heat-resistance, make it a popular choice for kitchen countertops and other surfaces.
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It is also known as steatite
Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is a type of metamorphic rock called talc-schist. It is composed largely of the magnesium-rich mineral talc. The name 'steatite' is derived from the Greek word 'stéar' meaning tallow, which refers to its soapy feel. Steatite is a compact form of talc, with a grey-green or brown colour. It is a massive talc rock with a high degree of purity, making it suitable for manufacturing.
Steatite is used for its dielectric and thermally-insulating properties in applications such as tile, substrates, washers, bushings, beads, and pigments. It is also used for high-voltage insulators, which must withstand large mechanical loads, such as mast radiator insulators. In its ground form, steatite is used for ceramics, which are low-cost biaxial porcelains.
In the context of geology, steatite is used to refer to both forms of the rock, whether it is in its natural form or ground form. However, in industry, 'steatite' typically refers to the ground form or the form to be ground in the future. When ground steatite is pressed into blocks, it is referred to as 'synthetic block steatite' or 'artificial block steatite'.
Steatite has been used as a carving medium for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian scarab signets and amulets were made from glazed steatite. The Yoruba people of West Nigeria used soapstone for statues, and the Yoruba of Ife produced a miniature soapstone obelisk called "the staff of Oranmiyan". The Minoan civilisation on Crete also used soapstone, and a steatite libation table was found at the Palace of Knossos. The Vikings hewed soapstone directly from the stone face and shaped it into cooking pots, which they sold at home and abroad.
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Aboriginal artist Erlikilyika used it for pipes and carvings
Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is a type of metamorphic rock that has been used for carvings and sculptures for thousands of years. It is abundant in northern Europe and can be found all over the world, including in Australia.
In Australia, Aboriginal artist Erlikilyika (c. 1865 – c. 1930) used soapstone for pipes and carvings. Erlikilyika was probably born close to his ancestral home of Akeltye (or Okilcha), also known as McKenzie's Waterhole, around 1860–1865. He was a southern Arrernte man, whose home language was Pertame, also known as Southern Arrernte. As a young boy, Erlikilyika worked at the telegraph station at Charlotte Waters, and lived there for most of his life. He also worked along the Overland Telegraph line, learning English and Kaytetye, and was part of the first generation to grow up during a period of great change in the region.
Erlikilyika's career as an artist started with carving local animals and pipe stems from white soapstone (steatite) and selling these carvings to passing travellers. He was the first Central Australian artist to be nationally recognised for his artistic talent, in particular, his carvings of animals in soft stone, illustrations, and sculptures. Erlikilyika also made wooden boomerangs and spear throwers with finely tooled lizards and animals. He exhibited his work in Adelaide in 1913, receiving favourable press comments.
Erlikilyika also acted as a guide and interpreter on the 1901–1902 cross-continental anthropological expedition of Walter Baldwin Spencer and Frank Gillen, who were recommended to him by the Charlotte Waters Telegraph Station master, PM Byrne, as a "first-class black boy". Erlikilyika was a talented artist and made numerous sketches and sculptures on the trip, including 27 elaborate drawings detailing his daily life and culture. He also made a number of unusual illustrations in one of Gillen's notebooks.
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It is a type of metamorphic rock
Soapstone, also known as steatite or soaprock, is a type of metamorphic rock. It is composed largely of the magnesium-rich mineral talc, which gives it its characteristic soapy texture. Soapstone is formed by the metamorphism of ultramafic protoliths and the metasomatism of siliceous dolomites. This process occurs in subduction zones, where rocks are changed by heat and pressure, with the influx of fluids but without melting. The amount of talc in soapstone can vary, resulting in different levels of hardness. Softer grades of soapstone with higher talc content are ideal for carving, while harder grades with lower talc content are more suitable for architectural purposes.
The use of soapstone can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans, who used it for roof tiles, drains, and tableware, and the Vikings, who crafted cooking pots from it. Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, such as the Inuit and Dorset, have traditionally used soapstone for carvings and practical objects like oil lamps. In modern times, soapstone is commonly used for architectural applications such as countertops, floor tiles, shower bases, and fireplace surrounds. It is also used for carvings and sculptures by artists and indigenous peoples.
Soapstone is known for its durability, heat resistance, and acid resistance, making it an ideal material for kitchen countertops and sinks. It is chemically inert, meaning it will not stain or be affected by alkalies or acids. Additionally, its ability to absorb and evenly distribute heat makes it suitable for cookware and wood-burning stoves. Soapstone is also used in laboratory settings for chemistry lab tops, acid room sinks, and lab shelving due to its impervious qualities.
Significant deposits of soapstone are found in various countries, including Australia. While specific locations within Australia are not mentioned in the sources, it is clear that soapstone has been utilised by Indigenous Australians for artistic and practical purposes. Aboriginal artist Erlikilyika, for example, created pipes and decorative carvings of local animals from soapstone in Central Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Soapstone is found in Western Australia.
Soapstone is used for architectural applications such as countertops, floor tiles, shower bases, and interior surfacing.
Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a type of metamorphic rock composed largely of the magnesium-rich mineral talc.
Soapstone is dense, close-grained, and natural stone with no stratification or cleavage, making it perfect for sculptural carving. It is also durable, resilient to heat, scratches, and impacts.
No, soapstone can be found all over the world. Significant deposits exist in Brazil, China, India, Canada, England, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States.
